The Foveon X3 direct image sensor is a new technology that works like film.
Foveon pioneered the development of the direct image sensor using advanced developments in semiconductor design, image processing, and signal processing.
Their X3 sensor directly captures red, green, and blue light at each point in an image during a single exposure.
Similar to the emulsion layers used in colour film, Foveon X3 image sensors have three layers of pixels. The layers of pixels are embedded in silicon to take advantage of the fact that red, green, and blue light penetrate silicon to different depths - forming the first and only image sensor that captures full colour at every point in the captured image.